Food Security: Cross River Distributes Improved Seedlings, Herbicides to 135 Schools
The Cross River State government has launched a distribution initiative aimed at boosting food security by providing improved varieties of seedlings and herbicides to 135 schools across the state’s three senatorial zones.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to fight hunger and ensure sustainable food production. The items, which include seedlings for crops such as maize, pumpkin, cassava, and melon, are intended to revitalize practical agricultural practices in public schools that had previously diminished.
Senator Stephen Odey, the state’s Commissioner for Education, emphasized that the initiative would help schools revive hands-on agricultural education and encourage students to participate in farming activities. Speaking during the distribution, Odey stressed the importance of practical agriculture in enhancing food security.
Representing the commissioner, Comrade Asuquo Amaku, Chairman of the Committee of Young Farmers Club in the State Ministry of Education, explained that the initiative follows observations made during the previous farming season. He noted that many crops were damaged or overrun by weeds, prompting the government to provide herbicides alongside improved seedlings to support the schools’ agricultural activities.
Amaku stated, “What we are doing here is a follow-up to what happened during last year’s farming season. We discovered that there were rotten crops and so much grass in the farms, so we decided to support the schools with herbicides and improved variety seedlings.”
The distribution of these farming inputs is seen as a contribution to the governor’s efforts in tackling food insecurity and ensuring that students are equipped with practical skills to enhance food production in the future.
Comrade Etim Nsa, Principal of NYSC Secondary School and State Chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), lauded the initiative. He said, “What we are trying to achieve is food security for all. We charged agric teachers and school principals to plant the seedlings on time so that they can generate seedlings for next year.”
This effort, according to the officials, will help to increase food production and contribute to the state’s long-term goals of promoting food security through education and practical involvement in agriculture.
